The genie under control

Contrary to doomsday forecasts of the subcontinent being the site of a nuclear flashpoint, Pakistan and India have come together to commit themselves to a set of confidence building measures in the area of nuclear weapons during their meeting over the weekend. With its first successful agreement with Pakistan structured on past processes and agreements going back at least to the three-decade old Simla Agreement, the UPA government has specifically proved wrong the cynics who had expressed reservations about the commitment of this government to a process set in motion by the previous one. That this agreement pertains to the crucial and tricky field of nuclear weapons is all the more creditable. Even those who are against nuclear weapons would no doubt welcome every possible restraint and risk reduction measure like those just agreed upon.

The international community has often linked the idea of South Asia being a nuclear flashpoint with the Kashmir issue. This approach, driven mostly by the interests and perceptions of various global players, ignores certain ground realities. The non-proliferation global agenda of the five nuclear weapon states has always sought to retain their own nuclear weapons while denying others such capabilities, even for legitimate defence. Moreover, the shrill rhetoric and missile firings timed with serious crises have tended to add to the mistrust that has dominated bilateral relations for decades. The art of communicating between two nuclear weapon states, especially during crises, requires that this is not cluttered with false signals of rhetoric. And the hot-line connection between foreign secretaries, that has now been decided upon, should help.

This unique and path breaking agreement is pragmatically based on the reality of the two countries possessing nuclear weapons. But what is significant is that they have mutually confirmed that this capability is based on the logic of a national security imperative, and that this is accepted as such by the other side. Although the language used is different, the approach acknowledges and accepts the principle of 8220;mutual and equal security8221; enshrined in the India-China agreements, something that is anathema to many world powers. This principle should also eliminate attempts by one side to try and push for unilateral disarmament by the other side and make it possible for them to work together for improving strategic stability in the region. A whole range of possibilities arise as a consequence. Indeed, it helps both countries to move more quickly toward normalisation and better bilateral relations, and to engage in consultations on security and non-proliferation issues so vital to regional stability. The challenge is to build on the progress made thus far.